Archie MontroseIf you’re lucky enough to find yourself in British Columbia, you’ll find an abundance of snow and snow activities. To help you make the most of your snow day, we’ve made a list of the best ski resorts in Vancouver.
Now while some of our entries might not be in Vancouver, we did make sure to include reviews and backgrounds on each one to make choosing a resort easier.
How Much Do Ski Resorts Cost?
Skiing is not a cheap hobby – the price tag on a single pair of skis is proof enough of that.
To help with budgeting and saving here and there, we’ve put together this simple cost guide.
| Resort | Price range |
| Grouse Mountain | Mountain admission tickets 1- day $54 – $161, (kids ages 1 to 4 – free) Annual passes $109 – $219, (kids ages 1 to 4 – $10) Parking permits 1-year $40 2-year $69 |
| Mt Seymour Resort | Season passes $149 – $799, (kids ages 1 to 4 – $39) 3-trip ski passes – $124 Equipment rentals $20 – $45 Equipment servicing $5 – $35 |
| Whistler Blackcomb | Day passes $43 – $94, (kids below 5 – free) Mid-level season passes $399 – $783, (kids below 5 – free Unlimited season passes $391 – $1119 (kids below 5 – free) |
| Mount Washington Skiing Alpine Resort | Season passes $499 – $899 (kids below 7 – free) Alpine day passes $56 – $109 (kids below 7 – free) Lodgings $199 – $312 for 2 nights |
| Sasquatch Mountain Resort | Season passes for the 21|22 season are SOLD OUT Gold Season Passes: Individual $299 to $749 Family $1699 to $1899 Silver Season Passes: Individual $249 to $649 Family $1499 to $1599 Bronze Season Passes: Individual $149 to $399 – No Family Pass Available **All passes are free for children 5 and under + seniors 75+ Day Tickets Children 6 to 12: from $29 to $69 Youth 13 to 18: from $39 to $79 Adults 19 to 74: from $49 to $89 **Children 5 & Under and Seniors 75+ are for free Night Skiing: $20 Fridays, $25 Saturdays Tubing: $20 Fridays, $25 Saturdays, $20 Sundays |
As you can see, ski resorts carry quite a hefty fee for both daily tickets and season passes. The main key to saving more money lies in buying passes early as opposed to waiting for the snow to blanket British Columbia’s many peaks.
The Best Ski Resorts in and Around Vancouver
Before you shell out some cash and load up the car, let’s get you up to speed on the best ski resorts in and Around Vancouver.
1. Grouse Mountain
| SERVICES | Skiing Disc golf Seminars Lumberjack show Sightseeing Theatre in the sky Skyride Ziplining Wildlife refuge |
| WEBSITE | https://www.grousemountain.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (604) 980-9311 Email: guestservices@grousemountain.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 9 am – 9 pm Tuesday: 9 am – 9 pm Wednesday: 9 am – 9 pm Thursday: 9 am – 9 pm Friday: 9 am – 9 pm Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm Sunday: 9 am – 9 pm |
Grouse Mountain is one of the closest ski resorts in Vancouver and you can quite literally drive here from downtown in just 15 minutes. Because of this, it’s also one of the most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations in all of the lower mainland.
This particular ski resort is home to various observation decks, campgrounds, and even a wildlife refuge. With so many activities available, it would be wise to set aside multiple days instead of opting for a day trip.
In terms of pure skiing and snowboarding, Grouse Mountain offers well-sculpted terrain parks for avid snowboarders to test their skills. These parks include obstacles like halfpipes, full snow jumps, and even grind rails.
The resort’s alpine trail offers clean slopes that are well maintained and great for both beginners and pros. To top things off, patrons can wind down or enjoy a more relaxed session of ice skating at the top of the mountain.
Pros
- Extremely close to the city
- Tons of snowboarding trails/parks
- Offers ice skating & snowshoeing
- Great for families and clients with kids
- Affordable admission prices
Cons
- Extremely busy during the winter
- Parking permits are required
Customer Reviews
Grouse Mountain is an absolute go-to winter destination for many Vancouverites:
“It’s heaven on earth! If you love some snow adventures this is the place to go! Snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing or even a light walk. A must visit for anyone who visits Vancouver and the view from up above is fabulous. The skyride was so comfortable and at the same time had great views. A wondeful experience indeed!” – Vidhya S.
“Loved it here the ride was nice and smooth the gift shops there were really nice and sold good quality stuff the views were just beautiful and really worth the trip.The people there were really nice and at the top there was a restaurant with good food and you have to option to sit outside and look at the beautiful view when eating your food they also had the option to do zip-lining and treetop tracking,and you can do some hiking for some amazing views the carts to get up were big and had lots of space for people and yet they still did a very good job making sure everyone was social distancing and wearing there masks good people and no big lines, Very very fun and good and amazing views.” – Anna S.
2. Mt Seymour Resort
| SERVICES | Skiing Snowboarding Snowboarding/Skiing lessons Tubing & Tobogganing Camping Brunch Lunch |
| WEBSITE | https://mtseymour.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1700 Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L3, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: +16049862261 Email: info@mtseymour.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Tuesday: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Wednesday: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Thursday: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Friday: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Saturday: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm Sunday: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm |
The Mt Seymour Resort is one of the best places in Vancouver to learn proper skiing and snowboarding. These folks have been teaching the art of shredding snow for well over 50 years and they’ve found success with children, teens, and even adults.
If you’re a snowboarder, then you’ll be thrilled to know that this resort also has 4 unique terrain parks where patrons can test their skills and shred powder. These parks range in difficulty and complexity, with some obstacles being extremely large and challenging.
Beginners and pros will feel right at home with any of these terrain parks. However, we would definitely suggest that the former stick to the rookie park while the latter explore “The Nut House” park.
In case you’re wondering, Mt Seymour also has tons to offer for skiers thanks to its many alpine trails. Along with this, the mountain is also an excellent gateway to some gnarly backcountry peaks.
Pros
- Great backcountry trails
- Excellent skiing and snowboarding lessons
- Top-quality rental equipment
Cons
- Slightly dated buildings and facilities
Customer Reviews
These are just a couple of the many glowing reviews that the Mt Seymour Resort has gotten over the years:
“Where do I even begin, my favourite of the local mountains, very relaxed atmosphere doesn’t feel too touristy or too try hard. The staff are always friendly and the terrain is superb. I’ve had seasons passes here forever, and will continue to do so” – Cole G.
“Okkkkkaaaayyy. So, Seymour mountain is the GOAT. If you want to avoid crowds and gapers this will be the spot you wanna go. Runs are good, lift is great, vibes are unreal. Get your car up here! What are you waiting for, do you wanna be a tourist or a local!?!?! I think I already know. Welcome to heaven, stay a while.” – Richard D.
3. Whistler Blackcomb
| SERVICES | Skiing Snowboarding Biking Spa Sledding |
| WEBSITE | https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (604) 967-8950 Toll-free number: (800) 766-0449 Email: wbreservations@vailresorts.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm Friday: 10 am – 5 pm Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm |
Whistler Blackcomb can’t really be classified as a standard ski resort, though it does indeed have all the makings of one. To be more precise, this place is closer to a ski town with its large bustling community, various facilities, and picturesque atmosphere.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by a beautiful warm town filled with a ton of different eateries. Once you’ve settled in, you can take the lift up the mountain and shred some scenic backcountry routes or cruise through tranquil alpine trails.
If you really want to get the lay of the land, you can also take guided snowmobile tours all around the area. Alternatively, you can fly past towering pines and over half-frozen streams with the town’s network of ziplines.
Among our entries, few can match the sheer number of activities offered by Whistler Blackcomb. If you decide to go for a visit, just remember to pack some snacks, and a drink since a regular car trip will take you about an hour or two.
Pros
- Offers a wide array of activities
- Extremely large welcoming town
- Amazing views and tours
- Equipped with a ski racing center
Cons
- Relatively far from Vancouver
- Tickets and passes are quite expensive
Customer Reviews
To see how great this winter wonderland is, just check out these reviews:
“Awesome mountain to ski down! Everyone here is super friendly and the instructors are cool. Tons of areas for all ski expertise levels. The village around the area is super cool and has plenty of good food options. It’s a bit of a struggle to drive up here from Vancouver though.” – Janif M.
“Such a beautiful ski resort with plenty to do! Started the day off shopping and walking around around the upper village and the main village. It was very busy for the skiers who were waiting in line to go up the gondolas at around 10 am when we got there so I suggest if you want to ski, go for after 11 or go to Blackcomb mountain. We then had lunch right on the mountain with the best views at a restaurant called Black’s Pub where I had a wonderful poutine and my friend had the fish and chips. The waiter told us to get the sightseeing pass which was around 68$ and it brought us to the top of Whistler mountain. We then used the pass to go to Blackcomb mountain using Peak2Peak gondola which had the most stunning views of the two mountains. The staff was very friendly, the common areas were clean and everyone respected Covid rules! I really enjoyed my day!” – Erika N.
4. Mount Washington Skiing Alpine Resort
| SERVICES | Skiing Snowboarding Ski lessons Snowtubing Hiking |
| WEBSITE | https://www.mountwashington.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | Mt. Washington, 1 Strathcona Pkwy, Comox-Strathcona C, BC V9J 1L0, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (250) 338-1386 Toll-free number: (888) 231-1499 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 9 am – 4 pm Tuesday: 9 am – 4 pm Wednesday: 9 am – 4 pm Thursday: 9 am – 4 pm Friday: 9 am – 4 pm Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm Sunday: 9 am – 4 pm |
Mount Washington is home to both Alpine and Nordic ski routes that run all over the iconic mountain. Along with this, the resort is also used as a home base of sorts for many ski clubs including the Strathcona Nordics Club and the VI Society for Adaptive Snowsports.
If you ever find yourself all skied out, this resort has you covered with snow tubing activities that are great for the whole family. You won’t have to worry about your route or how fast you’re flying through the snow, simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
In case you’d like to get out and enjoy the winter air but you’re not feeling up to skiing, this place also offers a snowshoe tour. Participants of this activity can expect a wonderful snowshoe stroll through Strathcona Park, topped with a delicious fondue dinner at the end.
To cap off your night, you can visit the resort’s bar and grill to enjoy delicious food, craft beer, and live music. On Fridays, patrons can also let out their inner rockstar by jamming out and singing karaoke with a live band accompaniment.
Pros
- Great Nordic ski routes
- Home to various ski clubs
- Family-friendly snow tubing
Cons
- Fewer activities than other resorts
Customer Reviews
The Mount Washington Resort is more than worthy of its five-star review thanks to its well-maintained runs and great service:
“Excellent place to spend the day with your family. The ski hill is run very well, with lots of staff and help. The lessons are helpful and reasonably priced. There are tons of runs for lots of skill levels. Beautiful view from the top of the hill, world-class views. I recommend spending a couple of nights and trying the night skiing.” – Kelly N.
“Amazing experience, great atmosphere. Took my level 1 ski lessons, the instructor Renice was so helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend for a fun adventure day. $19.99 for a tube ride. $99 for using the eagle eye lift whole day to go up and ski.” – Anjith J.
5. Sasquatch Mountain Resort
| SERVICES | Skiing & Snowboarding Terrain Parks Onsite Lessons Tubing Snowshoeing School Groups Programs |
| WEBSITE | https://sasquatchmountain.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 20955 Hemlock Valley Rd, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A1, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (604) 797-4411 Toll-free number: (866) 567-6866 Email: info@sasquatchmountain.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Every day 7days a week 9am to 4:00pm Opening day: TBC (weather dependent) Night Skiing available and dates to be confirmed at the start of the season |
The Sasquatch Mountain Resort is equipped with 36 different runs and packs a decent 83 hectares of skiable terrain. The majority of this terrain is suited to intermediate-level skiers, but the resort also has some spots for both beginners and veterans.
With a diverse set of slopes, this resort is a great place for those who want to work on their snow-shredding skills. This diversity also translates well into the resort’s various terrain parks and snowboarding courses.
The terrain parks, in particular, were designed with the progression of snowboarders in mind. As a result, the easier parks and terrain are higher up the mountain and the more challenging parks are closer to the base.
This design lets snowboarders start slowly and work their way up, or in this case, down to more difficult courses without having to take another lift back to the top of the mountain.
Pros
- Great for snowboarders
- Offers 36 unique ski runs
- Short queues for slopes
- Only 2+ hours from Vancouver
Cons
- Relatively small community of skiers
Customer Reviews
While it may not be as well-known as other ski resorts, Sasquatch Mountain is still popular with many British Columbians:
“A small lovely ski area with tubing for the whole family fun! We went in end of March and there were not many people! The only thing is that you would need to bring all your food and drinks. No restaurant except the bar in the resort. Area still under developed but we will go back for sure!” – Edmund Y.
“Absolutely unreal mountain. Loads of runs to choose from, well maintained, all staff are awesome and easy going. Was a bit worried about the road from what I’d heard but it was no problem at all and they were busy gritting it on our way back down. First time here and can’t wait to go back. Camilla in guest services was the best!!” – John F.
FAQs About Ski Resorts
Since we’ve covered the best ski resorts in and around Vancouver, it’s time for you to start drawing up your winter plans. Regardless of which resort you intend to visit, always make sure that your vehicle is in sound condition and equipped with proper snow tires.
While you’re waiting for the right time to hit the slopes, you can pass the time by checking out our list of the best golf courses in Vancouver. Just like with this list, we’ve provided course breakdowns, and patron reviews to help you choose the right golf course.
